Liverpool 2-2 Chelsea: Match Review

Summary: Luis Suarez ended another controversial afternoon by scoring an injury-time equaliser to rescue a point for Liverpool and overshadow Rafael Benitez’s return to Anfield.

The Uruguayan popped up in the seventh minute of added on time to deny the Blues a crucial victory in their Champions League quest, but will argue that he shouldn’t have been on the field after appearing to bite Branislav Ivanovic earlier in the second half.

After a fraught opening, in which both sides went close to breaking the deadlock, the visitors snatched the lead mid-way through the half as Oscar headed in at the near post after meeting Juan Mata’s corner from the right.

Brendan Rodgers sought to turn the tide at the break and introduced ex-Chelsea striker Daniel Sturridge from the bench and the move paid instant dividends. After rattling the post with a fierce drive from distance Sturridge was on hand to convert an excellent Suarez cross from close range to bring the Reds level on 52 minutes.

But five minutes later Chelsea were back in front after Suarez was penalised by referee Kevin Friend for a handball and Eden Hazard cooly slotted his penalty past Pepe Reina.

Then came the games major talking point as Suarez tangled with Ivanovic in the penalty area and incredibly decided to sink his teeth into the arm of the Serbian defender, which was missed by the referee, who also failed to punish Sturridge for a studs-up tackle on Ryan Bertrand.

And a late sting in the tale saw Sturridge cross for Suarez to flick the ball into the net with his head in added on time to prevent former Liverpool boss Benitez a victorious return to Merseyside.

Brendan Rodgers post-match…“Until I review it I can’t speak totally on it. I’ve no thought on it as of now, I’ve just come in after a great performance. So I’ve no comment on anything other than the football.”

Rafael Benitez post-match…“It is one point, but when you are winning in the last second, it is incredible to play six minute and 45 seconds of injury time. You do not see that.”

Good day for…Daniel Sturridge: Laid down a heavy marker for a starting place after being dropped to the bench by Brendan Rodgers. Was called upon at the break to give Liverpool added attacking imputes and did just that, levelling with a poachers effort seven minutes after his introduction.

Bad day for…Luis Suarez: And just when you thought he’d turned over a new leaf….Suarez thrust himself back under the media microscope once again after appearing to bite Branislav Ivanovic in an off-the-ball incident in the second. He also conceded the penalty that gifted Chelsea a second goal, but did pop up to nod Liverpool’s dramatic late equaliser.